Trine University recognized as 2016 Tree Campus USA®

Trine University was honored with 2016 Tree Campus USA® recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

“For more than 130 years, Trine University has prided itself on the natural beauty of its campus, and we continue to do so thanks to the dedication of grounds superintendent Nick Wentworth and his staff,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president. “As we continue to expand our facilities and transform this space that has been our home since 1884, we will remain vigilant in maintaining the environment and enhancing the quality of place in this area.”

Tree Campus USA is a national program created in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and engaging staff and students in conservation goals. Trine University earned the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning project. Currently there are 296 campuses across the United States with this recognition.

“Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Participating in Tree Campus USA sets a fine example for other colleges and universities, while helping to create a healthier planet for us all.”

Brandy DePriest, faculty advisor for Trine’s SPEAK for the Earth student organization, said the group has sought the designation for several years.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of our grounds crew and others,” said DePriest, who also serves as director of the university’s Environmental and Community Outreach Center. “This is another indication of our commitment to our campus, our community and our planet.”

The Arbor Day Foundation has helped campuses throughout the country plant thousands of trees, and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities invested more than $46.7 million in campus forest management last year. More information about the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCampusUSA.

The city of Angola, where Trine University is located, has been recognized as a Tree City USA for a number of years.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 1 million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.